Medicaid faces funding cuts and new work requirements

Changes to Medicaid funding and eligibility are impacting beneficiaries across the United States. Following the passage of HR 1 in July 2025, states are preparing for significant funding cuts and structural shifts. Because adult dental benefits are considered optional under Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rules, they are frequently the first to be reduced during budget constraints. While some states like Connecticut, Kansas, and Maine have increased reimbursement rates, others have implemented annual benefit maximums or reduced rates.

In Nebraska, the implementation of new Medicaid work requirements has provided early insights into coverage stability. As of mid-2026, data indicates that 14% of new applicants and 7% of individuals renewing coverage lost or had their applications denied due to failing to meet work requirements. Many individuals qualified for exclusions due to medical frailty or parental status.

To assist in tracking these variations, the Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker has been developed. This interactive tool uses self-reported data from state programs to map the continuum of adult dental benefits, ranging from no coverage to extensive benefits, helping policymakers identify gaps in oral health access.